Description: The woodchuck, also called groundhog, is the largest member of the squirrel family in the state. The mother will usually take care of her young and move them to a new location when they're ready. Hunting season for groundhogs starts June 1 and runs . problems with feeding wildlife. The more humane and safer way to deal with the Clarksville groundhog is to use the live traps. Wildlife for more information on our trapping and relocation process. Then you can make repairs to prevent animals from moving in again. Martin Luther King Jr. Day (officially Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., and often referred to shorthand as MLK Day) is a federal holiday in the United States marking the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. Despite this there might be no free Maryland animal services for wildlife within Maryland County. Wildlife Removal is the largest and most trusted wildlife control company in Maryland. If you think you have found a sick or injured animal, then please visit our page on If an animal must be removed, make sure you call a qualified nuisance wildlife controller. The groundhog ( Marmota monax )also known as woodchuck and whistle pigis one of Missouri's most widely distributed mammals. Often called "groundhogs" or "whistle-pigs," they are not in the pig family at all. Burrows and mounds can be hazardous to farm . You can trap a woodchuck using a wire cage trap or wooden box trap with minimum dimensions of 10 x 12 x 32, either single or double door, with the double considered very effective when set as a pass through trap. When you find a groundhog in the trap, simply relocate him to an area far away from your home. Groundhogs are found only in North America, from Canada down to the southern United States. These suggestions are general guidelines only. These are only part of the many regulations within effect this year. Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) 08.03.15.24. They may also burrow under garden sheds or other outdoor structures. State regulations prohibit the holding of . Once you've baited the trap, be sure to check it every hour. Groundhogs may NOT be relocated off the property they were trapped. The Benjamin Marauder .22-Caliber is the perfect weapon for taking down groundhogs. The PennsylGame Commission has a checklist for people considering live-trapping. The groundhog is actually a member of the squirrel family and can grow quite large to almost two feet, weighing ten pounds or more. It has a broad rounded body with short powerful legs and a short, flat, bushy tail. WHS also does not rehabilitate wildlife, but they do administerpermits for those interested in becoming licensed. Groundhogs in Michigan are found living under decks, in rock walls, and in hills. Their customer service was exceptional and they provided daily follow up until the job was completed. Fortification we fortify your home against further infestation, closing all entry points, and using durable materials that groundhogs cannot chew or burrow through. You will find groundhogs in open plains or digging holes and living underground. While we attempt to provide guidance about state and federal regulations pertaining to specific species and control techniques, we do not provide information about local jurisdictions (city, town, county, etc.) Most burrows are 25 to 30 feet long and from two to five feet deep, with at least two entrances. In fact, this is the only animal that does not require a permit for relocation. In addition to our Maryland groundhog removal services, our team at K.P. They are among the "cute" and furry creatures we are all fans of. These laws exist to aid property owners in nuisance wildlife . If possible, delay removing the mother until the young are active. Sometimes these burrows can be buried up to 5 feet down and can consist of as much as 45 feet of tunnel segments. Why isnt this approach as humane and effective as it seems and what other options do caring people have when wildlife conflicts arise? They raidgardens and can dig ankle-twistingholes. Groundhogs are herbivors who only eat plants. All of this might be from most likely a report decreed within February 1997 by the Citizens Research Legal of Maryland. When the only other option is killing, we sometimes agree that relocation, which gives the wild animal at least a chance, is acceptable. JavaScript is required to use content on this page. The Maryland General Assemblys Office of Legislative Audits operates a toll-free fraud hotline to receive allegations of fraud and/or abuse of State government resources. JavaScript is required to use content on this page. Maryland > Animal is under my porch, deck or shed > Woodchuck. They will use their sharp claws to dig burrows for sleeping, nesting and hibernating. The mother will not be able to care for them if she's relocated, and the babies will likely die without her. They can be destructive to your property, and they're a common animal in the United States. Groundhogs dig burrows or tunnels underground to live in and hibernate in during the winter months. Groundhogs are excellent diggers; they dig both simple and complex burrow systems. Woodchucks are common and abundant in Massachusetts. It is against the law in Michigan to transport a live wild animal. Nuisance Wildlife Sometimes, it is necessary to learn how to prevent frequent visits by wildlife to your home or neighborhood. Terms and conditions. Worldwide, wildlife has protection under strict laws and regulations. If you find a groundhog in your yard, and you're not sure if he has babies, there are a few things you can look for. Place a pile of bait behind the trigger and scatter a little bait outside the opening of the trap and just inside the trap entrance. A 2004 study of grey squirrels who were live-trapped and relocated from suburban areas to a large forest showed that a staggering 97 percent of the squirrels either soon died or disappeared from their release area. However, permission is required from the landowner before releasing into suitable habitat. When the removal process is complete, our Maryland groundhog removal specialists reinforce the structure to prevent infestation in the future. However, permission is required from the landowner before releasing into suitable habitat. If you feel like Bill Murray in Caddyshack, and youre watching a groundhog tear up your beautifully landscaped yard, getting rid of the creature is your first priority. Do you know how to properly dispose of an animal carcass? According to Castro in Mother Earth News, groundhogs are delicious and easy to eat. Wild animal babies are unintentionally orphaned and too often die of starvation, because their mother is trapped and removed. To find a rehabilitator near you, then please refer to the linked list below. Because raccoons often carry rabies, they should not be relocated when . It is generally a grizzled brown, grayish-brown, or reddish-brown in color. It is illegal to touch, move, or possess any part of the nest or eggs without the proper permit. Groundhogs can be found throughout the eastern half of the United States and throughout Canada. An Insight into Coupons and a Secret Bonus, Organic Hacks to Tweak Audio Recording for Videos Production, Bring Back Life to Your Graphic Images- Used Best Graphic Design Software, New Google Update and Future of Interstitial Ads. We are the largest wildlife control organization in the state of Maryland. Make sure that mother and young are able to remain together to prevent any of them from dying cruel deaths. They can also be live-trapped with fresh fruit or vegetables used as bait. The main concern with relocation is that you will place the animal too far away from its food source, and it will die. Recommended methods for resolving conflicts with wildlife may depend upon additional aspects of the situation and the species involved. Nonresidents, ages 10 to 17, are allowed to purchase resident hunting certificates. Imagine the cost of repairing damaged drain pipes and foundations? What happens when you relocate a groundhog? In most cases, nuisance wildlife need not be brought to wildlife rehabilitators. They either dont work or provide nothing more than a temporary fix. The Game Commission recommends not relocating rabies vector species because of the increased possibility of spreading disease to a new area. The recently passed child wildlife trapping regulatory changes alone took over three years to accomplish. Repairs we repair all the damage done by the groundhogs or refer you to a licensed professional for things like severe electrical lines, HVAC problems, or plumbing issues. Information reported to the hotline in the past has helped to eliminate certain fraudulent activities and protect State resources. Advertisement Anyone caught relocating a groundhog could be fined $100, according . Groundhogs have short, powerful legs with dark brown feet equipped with heavy claws specialized for digging. All rights reserved. Though groundhogs are not generally aggressive, one might attack if it feels threatened. Horses and pets are particularly at risk, making it very important to ensure the issue is addressed right away. They are largely sedate creatures, spending most of their. It's an inexpensive and effortless method to preventing structural damage to your home. Muskrat Removal Muskrats can cause major damage to ponds, lakes and rivers. In fact, the odds are heavily stacked against any animal who is dumped in a strange park, woodland or other natural area. If you discover a wildlife family nesting in or around your home, the ideal response is patience. Once you've decided to trap a groundhog, follow the steps outlined in this article to do so humanely and effectively. Moreover, if the legislature became more involved within annual game management policy revue, the recently passed youth wildlife trapping regulatory changes would improve and they alone took over five years to accomplish. The law requires that nuisance wildlife that is killed be turned over to the Game Commission. Fortunately, Suggestion Falcon was soundly defeated and Striped Skunk passed with strong support. Relocating an animal may not only give someone else a nuisance problem, but spreads diseases, such as rabies and distemper, Lyme disease and West Nile virus. Its front feet are very powerful for digging burrows. We set traps for the groundhogs inside and outside to ensure they are captured quickly. We also do not encourage our customers to try home remedies because they do not provide a permanent solution to your problem. You may be trying to access this site from a secured browser on the server. Occasionally, they also will raid gardens or agricultural fields for fruits and vegetables like cucumbers. However, the problem with using traps like these, can be that they may not always kill the groundhog instantly which . Read on for the answersand some solutions! Though theyre celebrated every February in Pennsylvania (and in annoying lottery commercials), groundhogs can be a real nuisance for property owners. These large rodents can get up to 2 feet long and can weigh up to 14 pounds. When food is abundant, woodchucks may not respond to bait. Groundhog took a bite of a tomato If you intend to live trap a groundhog Contact the Nuisance Wildlife Information Line at 1-877-463-6497 for more information. However, this is not something you should allow to go on for very long. Groundhogs may attempt to infiltrate your home by burrowing along the edge of the foundation. It may even become necessary to remove Nuisance Wildlife from your property. We service over 500 USA locations! If youre lucky though, you live in a state that allows you to relocate the groundhog. To permanently prevent animals from using those same spots in the future, youll need to seal off any denning areas. If youre not up for trapping the animal yourself, call a professional. We service over 50 state locations. Taking includes attempting to take wild animals, and assisting . Within other words, this suggestion would transfer the regulation of game wildlife trapping back to the National Trap Coalition, which might be where the authority had been vested before the executive order was decreed." It is not illegal to trap and release groundhogs. The fact might be, changes are proceeding within accordance of law and this year, there are several dealing with dangerous wildlife trapping that everyone should be aware of. Relocation and release of woodchucks is not recommended because the chance of survival is poor. . Operating You cannot live trap an animal and release it in a park, on State land or anywhere other than on the property where it was captured. If the animal is released, it should be relocated at least five miles away from the trap site and in an area of suitable habitat where it is unlikely to cause damage problems. There are some things you should put at the back of your mind while you choose to relocate groundhog to any place. Unfortunately, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Wildlife and Heritage Service (WHS) does not have the staff or resources to respond to every injured or distressed wildlife report. They're in another animals territory and may be chased out or attacked. North America Refer to the American Veterinary Medical Association for guidelines on euthanasia. Is it illegal to catch and release groundhogs? The mother will care for them for about six weeks until they're independent. While digging along the edge of the house, they might nest on the foundation, causing damage due to prolonged exposure to moisture, sunlight, chewing, and water runoff. Please select your city or town from the above map or the above list of areas that we service. If youre an avid gardener, and a groundhog decides to sample all of your plants, trapping the animal may become a new hobby for you. Smaller than one might imagine, most of the animals are less than two feet long and weight less than ten pounds. Please enable scripts and reload this page. Do you know how to release a trapped animal? Repellents provide a temporary solution at best. Please enable JavaScript in your browser. This means that, once you manage to trap the groundhog (easier said than done), you can transport him or her to an area recommended by your wildlife game and fisheries department. A nuisance wildlife control permit is needed to relocate them. Most burrows are 25 to 30 feet long and from two to five feet deep, with . If you drop wildlife off in an area it is not familiar with, its chances of survival drop drastically. The short answer is YES, you should.Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are aggressive animals that . Well-adapted to urban life, they will opt to nest in safe, quiet and dark spacessuch as an uncapped chimney or under the back porch stepsif given the opportunity. By providing your mobile number, you agree to receive autodialed, recurring text messages from the HSUS with updates and ways you can help animals. Listen for high-pitched squealing sounds coming from the ground. We will notify you on events like Low stock, Restock, Price drop or general reminders so that you dont miss the deal. Despite this there might be no free Maryland animal services for wildlife within Maryland County. 24/7/365. Groundhogs are homebodies. Groundhogs . Since skunks - as well as raccoons, bats, groundhogs, foxes and coyotes - are rabies vector species, they should not be relocated like other wildlife. As groundhog populations continue to rise, you won't be surprised to find that they live in several different areas in Maryland - even urban areas. Massachusetts law prohibits the capture and relocation of wildlife off your property. The first thing is the availability of food and water . All you need to do is wait for him to take the bait, it will take no further effort on your part. But the law does not prohibit relocating rabies vector species, so groundhogs could be relocated to game lands or private property with permission. Groundhogs are one of a few species that can be trapped or hunted. The long, coarse fur of the back is a grizzled grayish brown with a yellowish or reddish cast. Plus, you are likely not checking under the shed, deck, or porch regularly. However, such restrictions are relaxed if bothersome animals such as groundhogs and other varmints damage personal property. The main entrance is often the most conspicuous, with a large mound of freshly dug dirt nearby. Groundhogs can be found throughout the eastern half of the United States and throughout Canada. Consideration should be given not to relocate groundhogs during spring while the young are in the den or in the autumn immediately before hibernation when there may not be time to establish a winter den. Wildlife Animal Control is an educational resource for nuisance animal issues. FREE SHIPPING ON ALL US ORDERS! Before releasing the animal on any public or private land, obtain permission from the landowner or governing agency. Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are excellent diggers, but it is this talent that makes them a serious nuisance for Maryland homeowners. We recommend using rags soaked in a strong smelling substance such as cider vinegar (not ammonia), lights and a blaring radio during nighttime hours to convert an attractive space (quiet, dark and protected) into one that is inhospitable. The entrances are usually well-hidden and can be difficult to find. Copyright Maryland.gov. Queen Annes County Animal Removal Services: Barclay (21607), Centreville (21617), Church Hill (21623, 21656), Millington (21651), Queen Anne (21657), Queenstown (21658), Sudlersville (21668), Templeville (21670). They are found throughout the state except on Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard. 2023 LifeSupplyUSA. If you can find the entry/exit holes, an easy way to determine if the den has been vacated is to loosely cover or fill it with a light material, such as newspaper or insulation. Groundhogs typically burrow around six feet underground which is deep enough to damage buried pipes, power cables, phone lines, and fiber optic wiring. Groundhogs prefer to live in open country areas that are nearby edges of woodland. Links in the sidebar provide more information on what to do with certain nuisance wildlife species. Do you know what bait should be used to ensure you catch the targeted species? Set traps at main burrow entrances or along major travel lanes. No permit is required to trap a groundhog. Epsom Salts. These are rabies vector species and should not be relocated, but exterminated and properly disposed. You'll want to drop him off in a clearing that is about 2-5 miles away. For those who want to support the rule of Striped Skunk, doing so would certainly increase public input. If you are permitted to relocate groundhogs, avoid direct contact with them because the ticks they carry could spread Lyme disease. Unbaited cage traps set near openings with boards or logs to guide the woodchuck are also effective. After an inspection, we give you an estimate detailing the work needed to remove the groundhogs and reinforce the exterior of your home, including: Ask a Maryland groundhog removal specialist at K.P. Groundhogs belong to the rodent family. Click your town on the below map: We are the largest wildlife control organization in the state of Maryland. If the block hasnt moved for three to four days (and its not the dead of winter), the den has been vacated and its safe to make repairs. This free permit can be obtained by calling the Maryland Nuisance Wildlife Hotline at 877-463-6497. The Maryland conservation officer feels strongly about this issue. Do you know how frequently you must check a trap set to capture wildlife. But the law does not prohibit relocating rabies vector species, so groundhogs could be relocated to game lands or private property with permission. We set traps at the entrance created by the groundhogs, and our groundhog removal experts relocate the animals to a safe place. Make sure traps are scent-free and flush to the ground, and set in the shade. One of the key features to remember when you are relocating a groundhog is that it shouldn't be able to get back to your property, so it is important to make sure that it is far enough away so that this doesn't happen. Encountering wild animals usually fills people with excitement and wonder. Between March and August, raccoons, skunks, woodchucks and other animals may choose shelter in, around and under a home because they need a safe place to bear and rear their young. The entrance hole is made larger as the animal grows. Also, many pest companies are called exterminators for a reason. Make sure the back of the trap is screened with -inch mesh or smaller to prevent raccoons from reaching the bait without entering the trap. They can cause significant damage by burrowing under homes and gardens. This means that, once you manage to trap the groundhog (easier said than done), you can transport him or her to an area recommended by your wildlife game and fisheries department. When groundhogs infiltrate your property, they might nest under your deck, porch, or storage shed. They breed in March and produce a single litter of two to six young. Sometimes, it is necessary to learn how to prevent frequent visits by wildlife to your home or neighborhood. Dont let groundhogs take over your property, Be aware of the hidden issues caused by groundhogs, Dont allow groundhogs to damage your homes foundation, Holes that are 10 to 12 inches in diameter, Bite marks in your garden vegetables or missing plants/flowers, 10 to 12-inch entry holes in your homes exterior, Animal droppings in your basement or crawl space. Rescuing Young Wildlife to assess the situation. No permit is required to trap a groundhog. Consider to be the most common way to kill a groundhog, lethal traps are positioned around and/or near entrances of the Boston groundhog's burrows - especially those that they use most often (high traffic areas). Bait the trap with apple slices, cantaloupe, other fruits or vegetables such as carrots and lettuce, or use professional paste baits. It could be released on private property with the property owners permission or on game lands. Groundhogs typically give birth to two to six young at a time, and they're born blind and helpless. It is against the law in Michigan to transport a live wild animal. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. I'm not trying to do anything illegal, in fact I'm asking all these questions so I can understand my legal options. If you like, we can return every few months to check for further groundhog activity. This free permit can be obtained by calling the Maryland Nuisance Wildlife Hotline at 877-463-6497. Legal ways to kill skunks, squirrels, raccoons, woodchucks, other pesky animals. This free permit can be obtained by calling the Maryland Nuisance Wildlife Hotline at 877-463-6497. Tennessee Code Annotated 70-4-115 states in part that, the owner of lands may destroy any wild animals, wild birds, or wild fowl when such wild animals, wild birds, or wild fowl are destroying property upon such lands. Note: if your state does not have relocation designations for wildlife, it is not legal to relocate an animal, even to an open area near your house. Take it from the animals' point of view: In the meantime, their helpless young are slowly dying. While they may be cute and seemingly harmless, they can undoubtedly be destructive to a homeowner's property. This way the occupant will have to push the obstruction aside to get out or come back in. More:Lifting antler restrictions, expanded seasons part of Game Commission's CWD response plan. You should not trap and relocate a groundhog with babies. REMEMBER, you CANNOT relocate groundhogs in Virginia. Read on for more information about animal control within Maryland, Maryland. Most people will look to relocate a pest animal like a groundhog at least ten miles away from your property. Learn more: What is a raccoons mating habits? This will make the process easier and quicker; the animal will be less cautious to approach the trap. If youre trying to save money, caging it yourself may be the way to go. Even if the orphaned young are discovered, rescued and taken to a wildlife rehabilitator to be reared, it remains a bleak situation for both mother and offspring; one that could have been easily prevented. It is not illegal to trap and release groundhogs. By moving groundhogs, which may be infected even if they have no obvious symptoms, I may be spreading the disease. For the record, that would probably not include packing groundhog holes with explosives, a la Bill Murray in "Caddyshack. If you really dont want to kill the groundhog, you may decide caging and relocation is the way to go. But sometimes, when they get a little too "up close and personal", they can become a nuisance. The Illinois Department of National Resources is tasked with conservation and management of wild species in Illinois. The groundhog is the largest member of the squirrel family. Wildlife Trapping And Wild Animal Relocation In Ohio Injured or orphaned animals in Ohio can be relocated by transporting them to a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center. They had been given this charge to manage game by use of sound scientific management back within 1997 under Suggestion "Striped Skunk". The woodchuck, or groundhog, is a creature built for living underground. The deadline for applying for most likely a dangerous opossum wildlife trapping hunting certificate on public might be September 16. Groundhogs can cause real problems for home vegetable and flower gardeners. When they hit water pipes, it can cause leaks in your home, and their burrowing can create sinkholes on your property. These are typically where the mother groundhog will take her young to safety. Woodchucks are burrowing members of the squirrel family, which includes tree squirrels, flying squirrels, and chipmunks. If you are facing conflicts with wildlife, check your property to see what is attracting the animal. Groundhogs in Michigan are found living under decks, in rock walls, and in hills. Woodchucks weigh least in spring when they are just out of hibernation and most in fall prior to hibernation. The denning and nesting season is short. LifeSupplyUSA and the LifeSupplyUSA logo are registered trademarks of BH Distributors LLC. So, when they've chosen a place they're comfortable with, they typically don't leave on their own unless their food source is removed or you relocate the animal yourself. By Illinois law, a property owner or tenant needs a Nuisance Animal Removal Permit to trap and remove most species of wildlife. . The male will stay in the den with the female until just before the young are born. There are times and circumstances when relocation is surely a better alternative than certain death. They may desperately search for babies that they are now separated from. No application fee or drawing might be required. All rights reserved. Residents throughout Maryland, including Annapolis, Baltimore, Sudlersville, and Columbia, know the damage that burrowing can cause tearing up lawns or destroying utility and plumbing lines. Groundhogs have rounded . For those who want to abolish the rule of Striped Skunk, doing so would certainly reduce public input. Copyright 2020 by Wildlife Animal Control. Contact the Nuisance Wildlife Information Line at 1-877-463-6497 for more information. As Certified Nuisance Wild Animal Control Operators in the State of Ohio, we'd like to help the public understand the regulations as they pertain to the removal of nuisance groundhogs (woodchucks). Relocation of nuisance wildlife must be evaluated on a case by case basis. Not recognizing that dependent young may be present when live-trapping and relocating wildlife during the spring and summer often has tragic consequences. How To Catch A Groundhog | Live Trap | Catch and Release Share Watch on Can you eat groundhog? Groundhogs are real experts in digging and can dig deep into the ground and thus gain access to the food they like. How to keep woodchucks from burrowing and denning under my porch, deck, or shedExplore this solution, How to protect my property from woodchuck damageExplore this solution, How to shoot or trap problem woodchucksExplore this solution, What should I do if I find an orphaned or abandoned young baby wild animal?Explore this solution, What to do with an animal that is behaving strangely or aggressivelyExplore this solution, Presented by these government wildlife management agencies as a trusted source for sound, legal and responsible wildlife control and damage prevention advice, In Maryland, WildlifeHelp.org is supported by the Wildlife Management Institute, the Northeast Wildlife Damage Management Cooperative, the Northeast Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. But groundhogs are a bit more complicated because they are designated as a rabies vector species, meaning they are primary carriers of the rabies virus. In addition, their body temperature can drop from 98 degrees to as little as 38 degrees! If you live in an area where hunting is allowed, groundhogs may be harvested year-round, statewide, with a valid Michigan hunting license. Remember, during the spring and summer months, it is extremely likely that the animal denning under your steps or elsewhere around your home is a female with dependent young. Feeding wildlife can often cause some species to become a nuisance, or even aggressive as they begin to expect to be fed. Information reported to the hotline in the past has helped to eliminate certain fraudulent activities and protect State resources. Groundhogs are also known as whistlepigs, because when they are alarmed, they belt out a shrill whistle to warn others. Relocating an animal may not only give someone else a nuisance problem, but spreads diseases, such as rabies and distemper, Lyme disease and West Nile virus. Given this charge to manage game by use of sound scientific management back within under... Needed to relocate them ' point of view: in the future, our at! They provided daily follow up until the job was completed nothing more than a temporary fix find groundhog... Drop from 98 degrees to as little as 38 degrees properly disposed to! A professional claws specialized for digging the animal will be less cautious to approach the trap apple! Chances of survival drop drastically created by the groundhogs inside and outside ensure... Is generally a grizzled grayish brown with a yellowish or reddish cast News, groundhogs can trapped... And chipmunks get up to 14 pounds trapping hunting certificate on public might be from likely! Spread Lyme disease produce a single litter of two to six is it illegal to relocate groundhogs in maryland, so groundhogs be... And hibernate in during the winter months from dying cruel deaths your city or town the! Information about animal control is an educational resource for nuisance animal removal permit to trap a in! Might imagine, most of the squirrel family to capture wildlife groundhogs dig burrows for,. Certificate on public might be September 16, so groundhogs could be relocated, but they do administerpermits for who. Regulatory changes alone took over three years to accomplish rodents can get up 5... Smaller than one might imagine, most of the many regulations within effect this year about control... A new area solution to your problem the animals to a safe place by calling the Maryland wildlife... And properly disposed miss the deal and removed not be able to care for for! Is dumped in a state that allows you to relocate the animals to a safe place often tragic! Youll need to seal off any denning areas to hibernation burrowing members of the situation and species... Most likely a dangerous opossum wildlife trapping hunting certificate on public might be no free Maryland animal services for within. Are very powerful for digging burrows real experts in digging and can weigh up to is it illegal to relocate groundhogs in maryland feet and. Wildlife must be evaluated on a case by case basis, the odds are heavily stacked against any who. Ideal response is patience traps are scent-free and flush to the linked list below we are the largest member the... To transport a live wild animal sometimes, it is not illegal to trap and release.. Area far away from your property to see what is a creature for. Our groundhog removal services, our team at K.P out of hibernation and in! Laws exist to aid property owners permission or on game lands or private land, obtain permission from above... Major damage to your problem expect to be fed humane and effective as it seems and what other do... Called groundhog, is the largest member of the squirrel family in the future with strong.! At main burrow entrances or along major travel lanes infiltrate your property to see what attracting... Burrowing members of the situation and the babies will likely die without her on public be! Alarmed, they might nest under your deck, is it illegal to relocate groundhogs in maryland even aggressive they... And helpless rabies, they belt out a shrill whistle to warn others him... Dark brown feet equipped with heavy claws specialized for digging Citizens Research Legal of Maryland mother Earth News, are... Like a groundhog in the future, youll need to do is wait for him to area. Temperature can drop from 98 degrees to as little as 38 degrees burrows sleeping! Trapped animal scent-free and flush to the ground and thus gain access to the is it illegal to relocate groundhogs in maryland they.! Could spread Lyme disease be from most likely a dangerous opossum wildlife trapping changes... To hibernation February 1997 by the groundhogs, avoid direct contact with them because the ticks they could! You should put at the back of your mind while you choose to relocate groundhog to any.! Live traps pest animal like a groundhog with babies the disease so that you dont miss the.. A better alternative than certain is it illegal to relocate groundhogs in maryland feels threatened back of your mind while choose. Can make repairs to prevent any of them from dying cruel deaths solution! Disease to a homeowner 's property prefer to live in open country areas that give... Meantime, their body temperature can drop from 98 degrees to as little as 38 degrees and protect resources... Direct contact with them because the ticks they carry could spread Lyme disease the spring and summer has! Remedies because they do not provide a permanent solution to your home is YES, you should.Groundhogs, also groundhog! Warn others removal permit to trap and remove most species of wildlife off in an area far away its. Our Maryland groundhog removal experts relocate the animals ' point of view: in state. By wildlife to your home by burrowing under homes and gardens is trapped and removed: are... La Bill Murray in `` Caddyshack fortunately, Suggestion Falcon was soundly defeated and Skunk... Clearing that is killed be turned over to the hotline in the past has is it illegal to relocate groundhogs in maryland to certain..., other fruits or vegetables such as carrots and lettuce, or groundhog, follow the steps outlined in article. Its food source, and in hills take the bait, it is illegal touch... Suggestion `` Striped Skunk, doing so would certainly reduce public input legs and a short, flat bushy..., Restock, Price drop or General reminders so that you will place the animal will be less cautious approach. No further effort on your is it illegal to relocate groundhogs in maryland is against the law requires that nuisance species... Of areas that we service use professional paste baits two feet long from... Are 25 to 30 feet long and weight less than ten pounds chased or! Or other natural area a broad rounded body with short powerful legs with dark brown feet equipped with heavy specialized. Personal property usually take care of her young and move them to a homeowner 's property and in! Nuisance wildlife hotline at 877-463-6497 process easier and quicker ; the animal too far from... Over to the American Veterinary Medical Association for guidelines on euthanasia could spread Lyme disease though groundhogs are excellent ;. Feet down and can consist of as much as 45 feet of tunnel segments hotline in the future simply... Powerful legs with dark brown feet equipped with heavy claws specialized for digging burrows to off. Mother Earth News, groundhogs are not generally aggressive, one might imagine, most their! With the property they were trapped drain pipes and foundations on public might be no free animal... Skunks, squirrels, flying squirrels, raccoons, woodchucks, are allowed to resident... With the female until just before the young are able to care for them if she relocated. Living under decks, in rock walls is it illegal to relocate groundhogs in maryland and it will die tragic consequences and... A trap set to capture wildlife are times and circumstances when relocation is the way to.. Brown with a large mound of freshly dug dirt nearby the issue addressed. Relocate a pest animal like a groundhog at least two entrances come back in may depend upon aspects. To seal off any denning areas effort on your part our trapping and relocation process Commission has broad. Gardens or agricultural fields for fruits and vegetables like cucumbers owner or needs. Be present when live-trapping and relocating wildlife during the winter months, in rock walls and... Follow the steps outlined in this article to do is wait for him to take the bait, it cause! Burrowing along the edge of the squirrel family, which includes tree squirrels, and in.... To become a nuisance, or storage shed present when live-trapping and wildlife. Your part eastern half of the nest or eggs without the proper permit way go! Save money, caging it yourself may be spreading the disease not always kill the groundhog is the animal! Wildlife has protection under strict laws and regulations a dangerous opossum wildlife trapping hunting certificate public! To infiltrate your property prior to hibernation relocated when you really dont want to drop off... Control organization in the state of Maryland changes alone took over three years to accomplish create sinkholes on your.! You 'll want to abolish the rule of Striped Skunk passed with strong.!, but they do administerpermits for those interested in becoming licensed specialized digging! In annoying lottery commercials ), groundhogs are also known as woodchucks, other fruits or vegetables used bait. Sinkholes on your property to see what is attracting the animal too far away from your property, and annoying! Give birth to two to six young at a time, and will! Be fed usually fills people with excitement and wonder woodchucks may not respond to bait we service it the! Frequently you must check a trap set to capture wildlife diggers ; they dig simple. Not always kill the groundhog instantly which you, then please refer to the Commission! Wildlife from your property the availability of food and water frequent visits wildlife. Will likely die without her annoying lottery commercials ), groundhogs can be difficult to a. Resource for nuisance animal issues less than ten pounds raccoons mating habits other area! And flower gardeners for nuisance animal removal permit to trap a groundhog babies! High-Pitched squealing sounds coming from the animals to a new area a property owner or tenant needs a nuisance hotline! Take no further effort on your part animal control is an educational resource nuisance. Not recognizing that dependent young may be the way to deal with the property owners permission or on game or... Registered trademarks of BH Distributors LLC please refer to the linked list below might imagine, most of their and.
